No Regrets
Number Two Son and friend Nick have anchored the defensive line of their club soccer team since they were both 11-years-old.
Together, they were a keeper’s dream–“clean that junk up before it gets to me!” For them, a goal scored on their watch was a personal affront. How dare anyone tread on their turf!
Over the years, they called out to each other–“Man on! Man on!” or “You’ve got a drop”–whenever the other was in trouble. They were rarely more than a few yards apart, always watching the other’s back. They were a team within a team.
On Saturday, in the cold and driving rain, they played their last match on a muddy pitch that resembled a barnyard after a monsoon. They lost 2-1 in the semifinals of the U18 Alabama State Championships.
Afterwards, they were spotted walking off the pitch together one last time, brothers in arms. For once, the family photographer was ready.
A team within a team, indeed. And they’ll never forget the moment when they gave the last full measure for club, for their teammates, for each other–for the memories.
No regrets.
4 Comments
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Jeff Slater
That’s cool. Thanks for sharing it.
Stoogelover
Great post. By the way, if Son 1 looks anything at all like Dad, wouldn’t he look a lot like Larry Fine of the Stooges? I believe I started reading your post because you had a picture of Larry posted as a strong resemblance to you. For the sake of your wife, I would hope you are much better looking than Larry Fine!!! But if not, no offense intended. 🙂
Mike the Eyeguy
Number Two son looks kinda like me at 17 only taller and better looking.
I only got the Larry Fine comment that one time, and since then I’ve lost weight, keep my hair shorter, added a beard plus a very stylish pair of Palin-esque glasses.
I may look like Larry Fine underneath it all, but I’m incognito now. I don’t hear Eyegal complaining.
Right Eyegal? Eyegal? Hmmm…
rebecca boone
I’m glad I didn’t have to do his laundry!